Treatment of a pinched sciatic nerve

Inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve can be treated with conservative therapy, but sometimes surgical intervention is required.

Sometimes, a course of steroid hormones (for example, prednisolone) is indicated to quickly relieve inflammation and swelling of the nerve. The doctor may recommend wearing a special corset. As for manual correction and massage, they can only be performed with the consent of the attending physician.

Exercises for pinched sciatic nerve

Despite the pain, sciatic nerve entrapment can be eliminated by therapeutic exercise, yoga, and special exercises. Of course, the ability to perform certain movements is determined by the degree of damage. In case of severe pain and constant shooting pain, you should start with comfortable static poses for relaxation and stretching. For this purpose, the yoga pose "child" is suitable - from a sitting position on your knees, stretch forward, press your forehead to the floor, and place your arms along the body or stretch forward above your head.

Dynamic exercises for sciatic nerve entrapment are indicated in the recovery stage, when the exacerbation has passed. The following are suitable during this period: swimming, walking, half-squatting, "bicycle" movement, moving on the buttocks, slow running, hip rotation. These exercises allow the load to be evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the body. If there is a concomitant disease such as a hernia, then therapeutic gymnastics is permitted only by a specialist with the development of an individual program.

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Drugs for the treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment

All medications for the treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment can be divided into:

• painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• substances that increase the body's defenses;
• ointments, gels, rubs for local use that improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and pain;
• B vitamins, which normalize metabolic processes and blood circulation.

Often, treatment of pinched nerve roots begins with pain relief and inflammation reduction.

Here the range of medications is so wide (from the usual analgin to opioid drugs) that the drug is selected based on the severity of symptoms, individual characteristics of the disease and the tendency to allergies. The patient may be prescribed tablets or injections of non-steroidal substances, which have become most widespread due to their effectiveness. In cases of particularly acute conditions, courses of steroid blockades are recommended. These pharmacological substances have a long list of side effects, so a specialist consultation is required before use.

Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and E, as well as mineral complexes, have a beneficial effect on metabolism, blood circulation and help relax spasmodic muscles.

Ointment for pinched sciatic nerve

Creams and ointments based on horse chestnut have a pronounced relaxing effect on muscles and have an analgesic effect. Balm "Chaga", a series of relaxing, anti-varicose creams "Recipes of Grandma Agafia", cream "Venitan" are used for varicose disease, but they help to alleviate the condition as a result of pinched nerve roots.

Homeopathic ointment for sciatic nerve entrapment "Traumeel S" and "Ziel T" have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Despite the fact that the preparations consist of natural components, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use. This is especially true for allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating women.

Pinched sciatic nerve is treated with ointments with a warming-irritating effect. They provide blood flow to the area of application and dilate blood vessels, saturating cells with nutrients, improving metabolic processes. Such analgesics include - "Finalgon", "Viprosal", "Kapsikam", "Apizartron", "Nikoflex".

Non-steroidal analgesics are considered the most effective and fast-acting, but on the other hand, these ointments have the most extensive list of contraindications and side effects. For complex therapy of pinched nerve endings, use - "Diclofenac", "Ketoprofen", "Ibuprofen", etc.

Pain Reliever for Sciatic Nerve Impingement

In order to relieve pain and alleviate the patient's condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, blocking the production of chemical components in the body that respond to painful sensations (prostaglandins). Painkillers for sciatic nerve entrapment are divided into short-term and long-acting. The most common pharmacological substances are: Piroxicam, Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Ortofen, etc. Non-steroidal drugs are characterized by side effects - they irritate the gastric mucosa, thin the blood and adversely affect renal function. In this regard, they are contraindicated for patients with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, suffering from high blood pressure and anemia, renal/hepatic insufficiency and heart disease.

Anti-inflammatory steroid drugs based on cortisol (human hormone) are recommended for use for a period of no more than two weeks. This is due to serious side effects from the drugs - decreased immunity, facial swelling, weight gain, osteoporosis, ulcers. The action of steroid drugs is based on the simultaneous removal of inflammation and elimination of tissue swelling.

Relief from severe pain syndrome is provided by an epidural injection. Pain relief is achieved due to the local action of a steroid drug (directly in the area of the inflamed nerve). The lumbar puncture method provides temporary relief and is not indicated for all patients, but has proven itself to be beneficial, as it reduces side effects with a lower dose of the administered drug.

It should be understood that pain relief is temporary and without eliminating the cause of the pinched nerve root, it is quite difficult to return the patient to a full life.

Diclofenac for pinched sciatic nerve

The drug "Diclofenac" is included in the pharmacological group of drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiplatelet and antirheumatic action. The drug is available in injection solution, in tablet form, in the form of ointment and suppositories.

Diclofenac is prescribed for sciatic nerve entrapment to relieve pain and eliminate swelling. Recommended dosage:

• tablets – for adult patients up to 50 mg, for children over 6 years old 2 mg per kg of weight up to three times a day;
• suppositories - adults no more than 50 mg once a day, children over 6 years old 2 mg per kg two to three times a day;
• intramuscular injections - daily dose for adults 75 mg, contraindicated for children;
• ointment - applied by adults to the painful area up to four times.

Treatment with Diclofenac is prohibited in case of hematopoietic dysfunction, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, acute intestinal inflammation, bronchial asthma, individual intolerance to one of the components of the drug, children under 6 years of age, in the last months of pregnancy. Restrictions on use apply to patients with heart failure, liver and kidney dysfunction, porphyria, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Injections for pinched sciatic nerve

Recently, injections of B vitamins have been widely used to relieve pain from a pinched nerve. Vitamin complexes have a positive effect on muscle innervation, normalize metabolism, and promote the restoration of damaged nerves. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 contain lidocaine, which enhances the local analgesic effect. Injections of Trigamma, Milgamma, Neurobion, and Combilipen vitamins are indicated only for acute processes (no more than 14 days), and in the case of chronic and recurrent disease, they do not provide the desired effect.

Injections of non-steroidal drugs for sciatic nerve entrapment will help eliminate pain and significantly reduce inflammation. As studies have shown, this group of drugs is highly effective along with a maximum of side effects that occur in 50% of patients. The least toxic of them is "Ibuprofen". These painkillers are recommended to be used strictly as prescribed. Moreover, if one drug does not help, replacing it with a drug of the same group does not make sense (the expected effect will not be achieved).

Blockade for pinched sciatic nerve

Most often, sciatic nerve entrapment occurs against the background of tension in the muscles running along the spinal column. Injections into the trapezius muscles along the entire back allow you to get rid of the pain syndrome in just 10 minutes. A mixture of an ampoule of 50% analgin with two ampoules of 0.9% sodium chloride is suitable as an injection solution. The procedure can be repeated up to 4 times a month.

Novocaine/lidocaine blockade for sciatic nerve entrapment is also performed from the buttocks to the shoulder blades at the points of greatest pain with maximum compaction. Injecting trigger zones with lidocaine or novocaine can bring temporary relief, but often one blockade helps restore muscle tone, eliminates spasm and returns motor activity. Positive dynamics are observed in patients with nerve root entrapment with injections of homeopathic preparations "Discus compositum", "Cel-T" and "Traumeel S".

Advantages of therapeutic blockades:

• rapid pain relief;
• action directly to the lesion;
• minimum side effects;
• reduce muscle tension, relieve swelling and inflammation, and eliminate vascular spasms.

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Massage for pinched sciatic nerve

Massage and pinching of the sciatic nerve are compatible things if a comprehensive diagnosis has been carried out and the doctor has not identified any contraindications.

In case of acute radicular syndrome, deep massage for sciatic nerve entrapment is not recommended, as well as the use of warming ointments. Massage movements of the gluteal region should not be too intense, because they can cause an exacerbation and an attack of unbearable pain. In order to activate blood circulation and relieve swelling, light stroking, gentle vibration (performs a lymphatic drainage function) in the area of the nerve entrapment are allowed. Therapy includes mandatory abdominal massage, especially on the side of the lesion in the area of the iliopsoas muscle. If possible (in the absence of intestinal problems, necessarily on an empty stomach), compression pushes are carried out from the side of the peritoneum above the site of entrapment, followed by a massage of the leg. It is important to work on the points of the sacral zone and the wings of the iliac bones on both sides.

Massage techniques for pinched nerve roots are quite complex and can only be trusted to a true professional.

Gymnastics for pinched sciatic nerve

Paradoxically, sciatic nerve entrapment can be treated with movement that improves blood flow to the affected area. Start with a normal walk for a few minutes every hour. You may have to overcome the pain, but you can't lie around.

When the first improvements appear, gymnastics for pinched sciatic nerve is recommended, the purpose of which is to stretch the vertebrae:

• lying on your back - exhale and pull your knees to your chest, clasp them with your hands. Inhale and connect your knees to your forehead. Hold for a few minutes, then relax completely and straighten your body;
• slowly sit on your heels, straighten up forward and reach your hands towards the floor;
• the back is pressed to the floor, straight legs are bent at a right angle and lie on the wall. The buttocks are pressed tightly to the surface, hands rest on the hips. Hold this position for up to 10 minutes;
• standing (knees are "soft", half-bent), back straight and slightly tilted forward. Rest your palms on your hips. Press your hands into the pelvis, stretching the lumbar vertebrae;
• sitting on the floor with your legs extended and your hands clasped behind your head - carefully move onto your back, while raising your legs as high as possible and spreading them wider. Lie for a few seconds without lifting your shoulder blades off the floor. Get up carefully, through your side, using your hands as support.

Folk remedies for pinched sciatic nerve

Alternative medicine, which includes recipes from nature itself, is considered a fairly effective method of treatment. Of course, self-medication, trying new lotions and healing potions on yourself, is also not worth it. There should be common sense in everything and a clear understanding that a more serious disease may be hidden under the symptoms of pinched nerve fibers. It is sometimes even dangerous to resort to "grandmother's" recipes without consulting a specialist. Regular massage, warming compress or manual correction are strictly contraindicated in some cases.

Folk remedies for pinched sciatic nerve:

• honey compress with apple cider vinegar (200g honey and a tablespoon of vinegar). The composition is distributed over a cotton cloth and applied to the problem area for half an hour;
• a warm mixture of 300g of liquid honey (melt in steam if necessary) and 50g of alcohol is ideal for a half-hour massage;
• pain-relieving infusion of bay leaf - approximately 18 small bay leaves are immersed in 200 g of vodka/alcohol, infused for three days in a dark place. This infusion is carefully applied to the painful area;
• Potato sprouts are poured with 2 glasses of vodka/alcohol and infused in a dark place for 14 days. The tincture is applied in the morning, rubbing into the affected area. After which the lower back is wrapped in a scarf for the whole day;
• medium-sized horseradish root is minced (you get about ½ cup), mixed with the same amount of potatoes, add 1 tbsp. spoon of honey. The prepared gruel is applied to the lower back, previously greased with oil or cream, insulated with polyethylene and a woolen scarf. It is necessary to lie down for up to an hour. The procedure is repeated every other day;
• the painful area is lubricated with propolis, warm beeswax is applied on top, then covered with polyethylene and a blanket. Such a compress is recommended before going to bed;
• equal amounts of chamomile and elder, scalded with boiling water, are placed in a linen cloth and applied to the lower back. The patient is wrapped up and left for 6 hours.

Pinching of the sciatic nerve causes a lot of discomfort, but before starting treatment, it is important to establish the root cause of the pathological condition. If the pinching occurred during the displacement of the intervertebral disc, then warming up can increase the pain syndrome and only worsen the patient's condition. Treatment with folk methods is prohibited in the presence of tumor processes.

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Yoga for a pinched sciatic nerve

A number of medical sources claim that sciatic nerve entrapment occurs in nervous disorders if degenerative changes in the spine are not identified as the underlying cause or there was no mechanical damage. Moreover, in women, the right limb is more often affected, and in men, the left, which is explained by the dominant hemisphere of the brain. Clinical practice knows of cases of "miraculous healing" by ensuring bed rest (immobilization and relaxation) with simultaneous normalization of the nervous system function.

Patients suffering from frequent depressions, powerless against stress, are recommended yoga for sciatic nerve impingement as an effective therapy and prevention. Simple asanas, meditation and breathing practice will help you stay active, cheerful and calm. If you have absolutely no time to attend group classes or you are simply lazy, then devote up to 15 minutes a day to your nervous system and forget about nerve root impingement forever. Beginners will not be hurt by several classes with a competent instructor, for others it is enough to create a set of exercises for themselves. Fortunately, there is a lot of information on this topic.

What should you pay attention to when choosing positions? Give preference to asanas for relaxation, stretching, without dynamic transitions and twists. The following poses are ideal:

• baby (fetus) - from a sitting position on your knees, knees spread apart at pelvic level, big toes touching, straight back (as much as possible) bend forward, touch the floor with your forehead. Arms are extended above the head and pressed with palms to the floor or lie along the body. Important: completely relax, release the clamps in the lumbar region and sternum;
• shavasana (or the pose of the dead) - relaxation of all parts of the body in a supine position. Arms along the body with palms up, legs extended and spread apart. It is considered the most difficult yoga asana! With the power of the mind (while stopping the internal dialogue), it is necessary to cover every part of the body with attention, track blocks and clamps, relax as much as possible and liberate the body;
• Japanese technique (to perform you will need a bolster with a diameter of 7-10 cm and a length of at least 40 cm) - lie on your back on a hard surface, place the bolster under your lower back (exactly under your belly button). Move your straight legs to shoulder width apart (do not lift them off the floor) and join your big toes together (between your heels about 25 cm). Extend your straight arms behind your head with your palms facing the floor and clasp your little fingers. You need to lie down for 5 minutes, but it will be difficult right away. Do not lift your lower back, back, or hips off the floor.

Stay in the asanas for as long as you want. In general, everything in yoga is based on personal feelings and depends on your ability to listen to your body. You should exit all positions softly, without jerking, calmly and with a smile. The simple exercises described help even in cases of severe pain, alternating with taking salt or herbal baths.

Exercise therapy for pinched sciatic nerve

Swimming, light jogging, walking, and simple physical exercises will help you survive a pinched sciatic nerve and return to your normal rhythm of life:

• smooth rotation of the hips;
• moving on the buttocks - sitting on the floor with straight legs, leaning your hands on the floor, walking your buttocks back and forth;
• "bicycle" movement - performed with a small amplitude, speed and duration. Increase the load as the painful symptoms subside;
• "Kind/bad cat" - a simple and familiar exercise from childhood. Standing on all fours, round and arch your back;
• perform squats with support (chair, back of a sofa), with your feet shoulder-width apart.

If you suffer from pinched nerve roots, then performing a set of exercise therapy exercises for pinched sciatic nerve will reduce possible relapses to zero. Train every day, pay attention to all muscle groups. Create an individual sequence of movements that will bring maximum benefit and joy, and you will have to spend no more than 15 minutes a day on it.

Acupuncture for Sciatic Nerve Impingement

Eastern medicine eliminates pain along the sciatic nerve, restoring mobility, by means of acupuncture. The method is based on targeted therapy at acupuncture points, triggering the body's response to external irritation. Thus, the self-healing mechanism is activated. In parallel, tissue regeneration occurs, blood circulation is activated, and metabolic processes are normalized.

Acupuncture for sciatic nerve pinching relieves pain in cases where other treatments have not brought the long-awaited relief. The acupuncture technique is a complex scheme of influencing the life energy (Qi) flowing through the body's meridians. Having decided on a course of acupuncture, you should choose a specialized clinic and forget about saving. Before starting treatment, the acupuncture specialist will assess the condition of the body as a whole, determine the level of vital energy, and establish the degree of imbalance.

It should be remembered that sciatic nerve entrapment is caused by pathologies of the spinal column, so take care of sufficient diagnostics and establishment of the true cause of pain.

It should be noted that treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment is always step-by-step:

• pain relief – use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, nise, diclofenac, etc.). In case of severe pain syndrome, intramuscular corticosteroids and analgesics are indicated;
• identifying the root cause of a pathological condition is the most important task for a diagnostician;
• physiotherapy – various types of massage (if there are no restrictions), electrophoresis, UHF and others;
• a set of physical exercises – to relax and stretch the pinched area;
• alternative methods of treatment – acupuncture, acupuncture or cupping massage, hirudotherapy, etc.

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